The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) posted an article last year regarding seasonal allergies being influenced by the El Nino weather pattern. We are in a potential El Nino year, and allergies can be overwhelming to those that are plagued by its effects. The AAO offers some tips to reduce some of the troubling symptoms caused by pollen and dander. If you have chronic ocular allergies, please make an appointment with an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation.
Is El Niño Making Your Allergies Worse?
Written by: Dan Gudgel
May. 16, 2016
Did your springtime itchy eyes, stuffy nose and scratchy throat seem to start earlier this year, and hang around longer? You’re not alone.
Experts say the El Niño weather pattern does have an effect on the timing and severity of seasonal allergies. And this year, allergy season started earlier and has been more intense in many parts of the United States because of the wet winter following several years of drought.
If tree and grass pollen have you red-eyed and miserable, you may want to see your doctor for a professional opinion. In the meantime, try to reduce the amount of pollen you come into contact with by:
- wearing sunglasses during the daytime (your ophthalmologist thinks you should be doing this anyway to protect your eyes from UV light);
- closing your windows, especially on windy days;
- washing your face and hands after being outside;
- and—if appropriate for you—taking over-the-counter antihistamine medication to reduce symptoms.
Check the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s annual list of the worst U.S. cities for allergies to see where your hometown ranks. And get the current pollen count for your area with the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology’s pollen count portal.